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This review is about model 2166 with the VR feature, not the older version 2156. I bought this lens as part of a kit when I bought my D5100. That turned out to...Read complete review

This review is about model 2166 with the VR feature, not the older version 2156. I bought this lens as part of a kit when I bought my D5100. That turned out to be the right decision and I am very happy with the lens. I have a set of autofocus lenses from earlier experiences with Nikon cameras. They certainly work well with the D5100. But the new lineup of lens â€" such as this one â€" are so improved that this lens outperforms the others. The EG and VR features are sterling features. Comparing this lens with other, similar zoom lens, one sees how small and compact it is; a definite plus for carrying around all day and for packing in suitcases. If you bought the 18-55 mm lens, then you will notice both are about the same length when zoomed to 55 mm. The lens is nicely matched with the D5100. Siting on my deck, getting acquainted with the two, I was able to do pin-point focus of a bird without the cameraâ€™s computer being distracted by tree limbs and foliage. The picture came out so well that I entered it in a photo contest. Nikon did a super job of giving us a quality lens at low price, so that we can enjoy inexpensive and quality photography. Here are two pictures to show the extent of the zoom of the lens. Both were taken at the same time and place, about four miles from Grand Teton Mountain. One is at 55 mm, the other at 200 mm. The lens works best for outdoor pictures when the zoom has ample space and light to work. I carry it and the 18-55 mm lens (either one fits nicely in my outdoor shirt pocket). I get most pictures from the 55-200 mm. I use the 18-55 mm for indoor photography and for close ups. From time to time the pictures may seem grainy. That can be fixed by changing the ISO to lower numbers, making best use of the scene settings, choosing the right focus method, and turning on the flash (even outdoors!) since zooms require more light. Best features: Value and quality for the price. Compact size. Worst features: No distance makers on the barrel. I miss this feature doing manual focus. Recommended accessories: If you want to get a filter to protect the lens and improve colors, then check the cameraâ€™s manual to find those filters compatible with the cameraâ€™s computer.

VS

Most Helpful Critical Review

right quality for price, but that's it.

I am one of those who cannot get a perfect focus at 200mm. All photos are soft or hazy when examined on a pixel level, even when tripod mounted. Most casual photographers will...Read complete review

I am one of those who cannot get a perfect focus at 200mm. All photos are soft or hazy when examined on a pixel level, even when tripod mounted. Most casual photographers will not notice this, but I am very particular. I found it to operate smoothly and was quick enough to focus for all but a few extreme cases on fast moving subjects. The VR has no effect, as far as I can tell. I get the same results with it on or off. I would recommend it for a casual "vacation pictures" photographer, but this is not the lens you want for serious sports or landscape stuff. It's relatively light weight make it decent for carrying around for long days.

I purchase this lens when I purchased my camera about 10 months ago. The lens works fine unless you are at full zoom then things get a little sloppy. I would recommend a tripod with the VR function turned off if you are going to shoot at full zoom. Otherwise this lens works great.

When I purchased my new D3300 camera with 18-55mm VR II kit lens, the photo opportunities were immediately rewarding. However, in some situations I desired more than the available 55mm maximum focal length of the kit lens. The Nikon 55-200 VR lens has become a perfect complement. It matches my "normal" zoom lens in both image quality and ease of use, yet gives up to 3.5 times more reach. It is compact enough to fit in the same carrying case with the D3300 body and the original zoom lens, without the bulk and weight of older lenses owned in the past. I highly recommend it!

5 star reviews are a tad ridiculous for this lens. It is a decent entry level lens and gets the job done for beginning photographers. Not knowing what a great lens is and then giving this product 5 stars is ignoring what a great lens is. For the money, it is a great lens. As a lens in general (ignoring price) it is what it is. A cheap lens. It isn't very sharp. You are much better served with an inexpensive fast prime lens to get your photo juices flowing. A low Aperture f/1.4-1.8 prime lens will give you much better results. You just need to learn to move your feet.

I purchased this lens to be a companion to my 18-55 and I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the glass and the function of the lens. I highly recommend this lens to the beginner or seasoned veteran!

I'll preface this review by detailing what this lens isn't: - It obviously isn't on par with Nikon's top-of-the-line lenses in terms of build quality and clarity, and obviously shouldn't be reviewed as such. - It isn't the best option when you need ultra-fast focusing speeds for action shots. - It isn't terribly responsive in low lighting. - It isn't going to impress a photographer who expects miracles from it. However, what it is: - It is extremely lightweight and, even at 200mm, stays relatively compact. - It is capable of producing surprisingly sharp photos (wide angle and close-up) of still subjects when given enough light. - It is very respectable for portraits and gives a nice, dreamy bokeh. - It is a quality lens equipped with a very usable VR at an extremely affordable price. I have an assortment of lenses at my disposal, so I won't go so far as to say this is one that I rely on frequently or use as a daily walk-around. But, don't get me wrong, if you are relatively new to photography and/or don't have much of a lens budget to play around with, this would make a fine lens for most general use. I do use mine and haven't been disappointed with the quality of the shots I get from it. I don't use it constantly and so I can't attest to its ability to take a beating, but with several thousand shots through mine, I don't have any reason to believe a malfunction is lurking around the corner. The VR still works great when I want to use it, the AF is still as responsive as it was when I got it new, and the focus/zoom rings are still light and smooth. Again, don't expect miracles from it and you won't be disappointed with it. Trust me, you can spend ten times as much on a lens and you still won't get miracles, especially if you don't have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of photography itself. Once you learn how your camera actually works, and the role lenses play in getting the perfect shot, you can take an 'entry-level' lens like this one and get some pretty amazing photographs with it.

I am a beginning photographer and I wish to turn it into a career! I do enjoy this lens very much and it will be going with my on my trip to the UK this summer! It's super long zoom and manual focus are excellent. I really do enjoy this lens and would recommend it to anyone!

Being a long time enthusiast, I bought this lens for two reasons, as a supplement to use before going to FX and to just try a low end (cheap) lens from Nikon. It didn't take long to realize the results reflect it. The lens is not very sharp at full zoom and has noticeable distortion. It is average at best on the other end. The lens performs at an acceptable rate for basic day to day shots, but for quality and critical photography one needs to pay the price.